In the early 1980's we used large sponges very successfully during the "
paint the Squadron 's light armour over the weekend chaps" events.
100-odd soldiers and we'd be done in a day. Three Troops of Lynx. With the Queen Mary's,ARV, Amb and Assault Troop's M113s, we'd paint around 30 vehicles ourselves. Coveralls, issue gloves and handkerchiefs were our protection. paper masks if we were lucky!!
A production line of soldiers doing hand and air hose external cleaning, applying grease over lights, episcopes, AMU contacts etc (tape was a luxury), drive along to black, dark and light green official army-issue paint stations (cheap messy paint guns and crappy compressors) then out for drying and marking. Call signs, tac signs, CFRs, bridge class and national flag were all done by stencil.
Light dabbing in layers with a chance to dry a bit each time provide less chances of runs. Best job of the lot too. Smart Troopers ended up there.
Good times!!
regards
Darrell